| Description:
This shrine is referred to as VadaKaraiMaanturai in contrast to the Maanturai near Tirumangalakkudi, south of the Kaveri, which is a stalam
referred to in the Tevaram. It is considered to be the 58th in the
series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located north of the
river Kaveri. Legends: Surya, Chandra, Kanvar and
Vishnu are said to have worshipped Shiva here. Mrikandu Munivar (father of Markandeya) and
a deer are said to have worshipped Shiva under a mango tree, and this legend is
illustrated in stucco in the temple.
Bhrama is said to have brought the Gayatri Nadi at the completion of his worship here,
and his act of having made the false claim of having seen the top of the column of fire in
which Shiva had manifested himself, was absolved here.
Indra is said to have worshipped Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of having deceived
Akalya, the wife of Gowtama Rishi. Bhrama and Vishnu adorn the niches in the walls of the
sanctum.
Inscriptions from the Chola period are seen in this temple. Sambandar is said to have
visited Anbilalanturai before visiting
Tirumaanturai. |
